Zamalek have obtained a travel visa for winger Chico Banza as the club prepares for its upcoming African Confederation Cup semi-final against CR Belouizdad, while the player continues his recovery from a knee injury, a club source has confirmed.
The Angolan forward recently returned to Cairo and is currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation after sustaining the injury during Zamalek’s quarter-final first-leg encounter against Congo-Brazzaville side Otoho. His condition remains under close assessment as the Egyptian club weighs his availability for the crucial continental fixture.
According to the source, the club has completed all necessary travel arrangements for Banza, ensuring he will be eligible to join the squad for the trip to Algeria if deemed fit in time. The first leg of the semi-final is scheduled to take place next Friday against CR Belouizdad.
“The club obtained the player’s travel visa to Algeria normally, in preparation for the upcoming match against Algerian side CR Belouizdad in the first leg of the African Confederation Cup semi-final scheduled for next Friday.”
Fitness concerns remain ahead of semi-final
Despite the administrative readiness, uncertainty persists regarding Banza’s physical condition. The winger is currently following a rehabilitation programme designed to aid his recovery and determine whether he can return to competitive action in time for the semi-final.
The source indicated that a final decision on his participation will depend on both medical and technical evaluations in the coming days. “If the player is medically and technically ready, he will be with the team on the trip to Algeria, and if he is not ready, work will be done to prepare him for the upcoming matches.”
This cautious approach reflects the importance of the fixture, as Zamalek aim to balance the urgency of continental success with the long-term fitness of one of their key attacking options.
Domestic duties continue amid continental focus
While preparations for the African campaign intensify, Zamalek must also turn their attention to domestic competition. The team is set to face Al Masry at Borg El Arab Stadium at 20:00 on Sunday in the opening round of the final phase of the Nile League title race.
The fixture presents an immediate test for the squad as they juggle domestic and continental commitments. It remains unclear whether Banza will play any role in the league match, given his ongoing recovery process.
Squad management key in decisive period
Zamalek’s handling of Banza’s fitness highlights a broader challenge for the club as it enters a decisive stage of the season. With critical matches in both the Confederation Cup and the domestic league, managing player availability and fitness will be central to their ambitions.
For now, the winger’s inclusion in the travelling squad to Algeria hinges on his progress in rehabilitation. The club’s decision to secure his visa in advance, however, ensures that all options remain open ahead of the semi-final.
Zamalek await late call on Banza fitness
Zamalek have taken the necessary administrative steps to include Chico Banza in their plans for the Algeria trip, but his participation will ultimately depend on his recovery. With key fixtures approaching, the club faces a delicate balance between readiness and risk.
